Best known as the Opportunity Expert based on my proprietary leadership methodology called, "the immigrant’s perspective” that defines the characteristics to be a 21st century leader. This methodology promotes the idea of leading through a lens of opportunity – that is enabled through a mindset of continuous survival, renewal and reinvention. That if leaders embrace the immigrant’s perspective, they will have a distinct advantage in business by being able to see and seize previously unseen opportunities, and opportunities others don’t see at all. I am a former C-suite corporate executive and entrepreneur of several successful companies – my firm (Glenn Llopis Group) is a thought-leadership, human capital and business strategy consultancy. We enable corporations to develop their leadership identity to further define and implement go-to-market strategies. Most of my writings, speaking engagements and consulting assignments focus on leadership, change management, Hispanics in America, career advancement, marketing diversity management, entrepreneurship, business development and turn-around operations. I am the author of Earning Serendipity: 4 Skills for Creating and Sustaining Good Fortune in Your Work; Why a Personal Employee Brand will Save Your Career and Your Workplace, Preparing U.S. Leadership for the Cultural Demographic Shift, Awakening the Latino Factor and Women Must Dive In, Not Just Lean In. I make frequent appearances on local and national TV, including CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, and Univision. Circle me on Google+

Executive Presence in the New Normal Workplace

In the new normal workplace, corporate social responsibility (CSR) must come alive in how employees express their generous purpose in meaningful ways that touch the business every day. An undervalued behavior that must represent the core of an employee’s generous purpose is their ability to have executive presence; a critical success factor to support a healthier, happier and community-minded high performance workplace culture.

Executive presence is not about selling a business transaction, or showcasing your knowledge, capabilities and skill-sets. Executive presence is one’s ability to create a moment; an experience that ignites others to want to know more about you, your personal brand and your business. Executive presence is mastered over time. It requires self-trust, confidence, self awareness and the ability to navigate the needs of people. Executive presence is about being a good listener and the ability to quickly connect the patterns of conversation in order to detect ones personal interests, leadership style and business needs. Executive presence is about earning the right from others to explore a more meaningful and purposeful business relationship. Executive presence is not about you; it’s about others. The one with highly effective executive presence is invited to the next meeting with the opportunity to create a more formal relationship. Executive presence is about having impactful, long-lasting presence that inspires others to want to know more.

I have worked with many prominent corporate executives. The most successful executives, visionaries and pioneers had the best executive presence. They made you feel that you were an important part of their initiatives. They allowed you to learn more about their personal life and always seemed highly engaged to learn about yours. They took the time to ask questions and you never felt that they were trying to sell you or convince you about anything. They always made you feel important, wanted and needed. The most effective executives always do. Executive presence is not about exercising your power and influence; but rather the ability to make others feel your powerful presence in a safe environment. For those that desire to intimidate others with their power; their executive role and influence will be short-lived.

As a fast track executive in my 20’s, I remember the wisdom my father shared to help me successfully navigate the dynamics of the corporate world. He said, “if you ever want to start a conversation with a person of high authority and influence, always be prepared to ask questions that are important enough to them – that it will ignite a meaningful dialogue. In order for people to take me seriously in the United States in the mid-60’s, as a Cuban immigrant who had an accent, I realized that to build new and / or sustain existing relationships that were meaningful and purposeful, I had to always add-value (lots of value) to the lives of others first. I treated them like family. When people realized that my intentions were genuine and responsible – actions ensued; opportunities became abundant for me – and the treatment was reciprocated. I always expressed my generous purpose. I built a reputation of being authentic, reliable and trustworthy. These are the types of relationships highly influential people desire. They don’t have time to waste.” In retrospect, my father’s immigrant perspective represented the tenets of Executive Presence.

One point of caution: many people in positions of authority do not always have executive presence. Their self-doubt, lack of confidence and preparedness may not lead towards developing a more formal relationship. Most often, they are concerned to reveal their own personal and professional limitations and insecurities. Just because someone has an important job title doesn’t mean they have character, and / or are well intentioned. In the end, it’s all about people.

Take a moment to observe some of the world’s most influential leaders like as Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, Barrack Obama, Bill Clinton and others (see 2010 Time List). What makes you want to know more about them (whether you like them or not) is their mysterious appeal driven by their Executive Presence.

Here are a few characteristics of executive presence:

Your presence is felt once you walk into a room

You inspire people; you are likeable and trustworthy

People are very curious to know more about you

People want to be your friend; build a relationship with you

You are perceived as important, valued and respected

You have an elegant way of approaching, engaging and getting to know others

You ask timely, relevant and thought-provoking questions that ignites a dialogue

You are social, well read and share fresh perspectives

You always leave behind a thought-provoking message that people remember

You relate equally well with different types of people (regardless of hierarchy or rank)

You positively impact others and those around you immediately

You share and create opportunities for others

You smile, maintain eye-contact and always make people feel important and hopeful

I welcome your comments, thoughts and experiences with executive presence in the workplace.

May this Immigrant Perspective on Business Leadership, serve you well.

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